LAKE HELEN 53A — The results are finally in.
The Red Rock Indian Band held a by-election on Saturday, April 20 and called all members of the band to vote for their next chief, with Allan Odawa Jr. ultimately winning the ballot.
Others on the ballot included William Legarde, Amanda Ruth, Harold Sault, and Edward Wawia.
This comes just over a month after the Red Rock Indian Band administration made it known that former Chief Marcus Hardy would not be appealing a vote to end his tenure in the role and a by-election would soon follow.
Speaking to Al Cresswell at CFNO, Odawa said he had dreams of becoming the chief since he was a child.
“Forty years later and I’m now chief of my First Nation,” he said.
He added that he looks forward to representing and working with members of the Red Rock Indian Band to build on the work they’ve already been doing with regional businesses and organizations, establishing partnerships and focusing on economic prosperity.
“We’ve been doing a lot of positive work – going to different companies, [developing] joint ventures – it’s going to be busy,” he said.
Odawa later shared a statement on the Red Rock Indian Band’s Facebook page wherein he thanked members of his First Nation for their support.
“I am fully committed to serving the Red Rock Indian Band to the best of my abilities and to the utmost of my dedication. I am aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but I am also confident in our strength, resilience, and vision for a brighter future for our First Nation.
“I promise to work tirelessly to uphold the values and traditions of our First Nation. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead with your support. I am confident that we can make a positive impact for the growth of the Red Rock Indian Band,” he wrote.
